You can replace a lost Texas driver's license in person at a DPS office or by mail, depending on how much time you have

If you've lost your Texas driver's license, you have two main routes: go to a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person for a replacement the same day, or mail in a request and wait about two weeks. Both cost the same — a replacement fee that varies based on how long your current license is valid for. You'll need to prove your identity and residency, and you cannot drive legally until you have a new license in hand, even if you've reported the loss.

The fastest option is an in-person visit to any DPS office. You walk in, show your documents, pay the fee, and leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is mailed to you. If you need to drive today, this is your only choice. The mail-in route takes longer but works if you're not in a rush and can't get to an office easily.

Key Takeaways

  • You cannot legally drive without a valid license, so replace it before you need to drive again.
  • An in-person visit to any DPS office gives you a temporary paper license the same day; the plastic card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
  • You'll need a document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and one proving your current Texas address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • The replacement fee depends on your license expiration date and ranges based on how many years remain on your license term.
  • If you suspect your license was stolen rather than lost, report it to DPS so it cannot be used fraudulently.

What documents you need to bring to a DPS office

You must bring two types of documents: one that proves who you are, and one that proves where you live. For identity, DPS accepts a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, state ID card, military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. A Social Security card alone is not enough.

For proof of your current address in Texas, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. If you've recently moved and don't have a bill in your new name yet, a lease or a letter from your landlord works. Bring the originals — copies are not accepted.

You'll also need to know your Social Security number and your Texas driver's license number if you remember it. If you don't remember your license number, DPS can look it up using your name and date of birth.

Replacing your license in person at a DPS office

Find your nearest DPS office on the Texas DPS website and check its hours before you go — not all offices are open every day, and some have limited hours. You do not need an appointment; DPS offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring your identity document, proof of address, and any payment method (cash, debit, or credit card).

When you arrive, tell the clerk you need to replace a lost license. They will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your replacement. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You'll pay the replacement fee on the spot and receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks.

If you move before your new card arrives, you can update your address online through the Texas DPS website or at your next DPS visit. Do not ignore mail from DPS — if your new license arrives and you've moved, it may be returned to DPS as undeliverable.

Replacing your license by mail

To replace your license by mail, you'll need to complete an process for a Texas Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) and mail it to the DPS address listed on the form along with copies of your identity and address documents. You cannot mail the originals — DPS requires certified copies or notarized copies for mail-in requests.

Getting documents certified or notarized takes extra time and may cost a small fee at a bank, library, or notary service. This is why the mail-in route is slower than in-person: you have to prepare the documents first, then wait for DPS to receive and process your request. Total time is usually two to three weeks from the day DPS receives your envelope.

Mail your request to the address on Form DL-44. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee — DPS does not accept credit cards by mail. Keep a copy of everything you send in case DPS needs to contact you about missing information. There is no tracking system for mail-in requests, so if you don't hear back within three weeks, call the DPS Customer Service line to check the status.

The replacement fee and how long your new license lasts

The replacement fee depends on how long your current license was valid for when you lost it. If your license had five years remaining, the replacement costs less than if it had eight years remaining. Texas driver's licenses are valid for either five or eight years depending on your age and when you last renewed.

Your new license will have the same expiration date as the one you lost — DPS does not extend your license term when you replace it. So if your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will also expire in 2027. You are not paying to renew; you are paying to replace the card itself.

Check the DPS website for the exact current fee, as it can change. The fee is the same whether you replace in person or by mail.

What to do if your license was stolen instead of lost

If you believe your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, report it to DPS before you request a replacement. You can report a stolen license online through the Texas DPS website or by calling the DPS Customer Service line. Reporting it flags your license number in the system so it cannot be used fraudulently if someone finds it or steals it intentionally.

After you report it stolen, follow the same replacement process — in person or by mail. The steps are identical; the only difference is that DPS has a record that the original was reported stolen. If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

Driving legally while you wait for your replacement

You cannot legally drive without a valid license, even if you've reported your loss to DPS or have a temporary paper license on the way. If you go to a DPS office in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready — that temporary is valid for 45 days and satisfies the legal requirement. Keep it with you whenever you drive.

If you choose the mail-in route, you have no legal way to drive until your new plastic license arrives. Plan your replacement request around your driving needs. If you need to drive in the next two to three weeks, the in-person option is your only choice.

If you are stopped by police and cannot produce a valid license or temporary, you can be cited for driving without a license. Having a police report showing you reported your license lost does not excuse you from this citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if I'm not a Texas resident anymore?

No. You must be a current Texas resident to replace a Texas license. If you've moved out of state, you'll need to get a license from your new state instead. Contact that state's DMV or equivalent agency for their replacement process.

What if I don't have proof of my current address?

DPS requires a document dated within the last 30 days showing your name and address. If you've just moved and don't have a utility bill yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, or bring a lease agreement. Some DPS offices may accept other documents — call ahead to ask what alternatives they'll accept.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

The temporary paper license you receive at a DPS office is valid for 45 days. Your new plastic license should arrive by mail within one to two weeks, but if it doesn't, the temporary keeps you legal to drive until it expires. If your plastic license hasn't arrived by day 44, call DPS to check on it.

Do I have to replace my license if I found it after reporting it lost?

If you find your original license after reporting it lost, you don't have to replace it — you can straightforward start using it again. However, if you've already paid for a replacement and received a temporary, you can cancel the replacement request by calling DPS before the new card is mailed out. Once it's mailed, you'll receive it anyway, and you can choose not to set up it.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you'll need to bring a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your identity and address documents. DPS will issue a new license with your current legal name.